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Brooksfield School is a Montessori school founded on shared experiences and a joy for life and learning. We employ outstanding teachers, specialists, administrators and assistants who dedicate themselves to inspiring and nurturing the children every single day. Over 30 years, Brooksfield has refined its vision of what a Montessori school should offer children. Our focus on art, nature, and mindfulness enhances the Montessori principles at the heart of the curriculum. Let’s take a look at those principles. A Montessori School is Student-Run In a traditional school system, the teacher dictates the lessons of the day and the students follow along, regardless of the pace of learning or how well the student comprehends the material. In a Montessori school, however, the teacher acts as more of a facilitator , while the students learn to work together at different stations. This is proven to be a great method for teaching kids valuable...

Teaching Adapting to Students Young children are full of energy, and are constantly on the move. When they reach the age of attending preschool or elementary school, many parents hear comments from educators that children have a hard time sitting still and doing seatwork. While some may be quick to assign a medical label, consider the possibility that the child may just be a kinesthetic learner. A Montessori school can help assess your child's learning style and adapt to it appropriately. There are 4 main types of learning styles. Reader-writers perform the best with traditional teaching methods, as they truly enjoy getting lost in a book or writing a story. Assign them a packet of worksheets and they are truly in their element. Visual learners need images, graphics, maps, charts, and other visual aids to process information. Auditory learners do best when they can hear and speak about what they...

A desire to bring about a child’s natural yearning to learn more. Acquiring knowledge should not be intimidating or criticized during the process for a young mind, as every child has the embedded curiosity to expand their thoughts in an error-free environment. This has made the Montessori Method grow exponentially in popularity for the young developing mind. Brooksfield School proudly incorporates this learning platform. Contact Brooksfield School for any information at all regarding the Montessori Method or any general questions about their programs. Follow the Rhythm of the Child: The Montessori Method Excerpt from Brook’s Field of Dreams, 1996 Your child is like a seed growing into a flower. The Montessori Method allows the child to grow at his or her own natural pace, and we should therefore try to let go and not be so concerned with instant results by digging out that “seed” to check on its daily...

If your child is too young to work, then chances are that he or she has grown bored with the typical routine of a summer break. Introducing them to summer camp benefits you and them. For many parents, sending their children to camp is an inevitable part of family life. Summer camps for elementary school students are a great way to get children to go outside and be active instead of sitting in front of the TV all summer. Sending children away to camp gives parents a much-needed break, too. Finding the right summer camp for elementary or middle-school age children may take a little work, but the benefits to your child are indisputable. Many summer camps for elementary school students place an emphasis on the arts, with music and theatre programs and arts and crafts. Studies have shown that creating and viewing art positively impacts a child's emotional, social,...

*Private school is more generalized, than the exact teaching method described in these articles below: The Montessori Method. To truly appreciate the Montessori Method, let’s get you sold on private schooling first. Why Private School? Why Montessori? No matter what age your child is, it's never too late to put them in private school. With exposure to premium education with professional staff and activities to fill up your child's day, private schools can give your child what other schools can't. If you're still on the fence about whether your child should attend private school, we've compiled a list of what you can expect from privatized education and the continual benefits it will offer you and your child. Being Held to a Higher Standard Every parents want the best for your child and so does their school. Private schools hold their students to a higher academic standard that will show...

Brooksfield is excited to announce that we have joined Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots organization which helps young children understand how they can help improve their communities for humans, animals and their environments. This past weekend our Kindergarteners, as well as other Brooksfield students, attended a Roots and Shoots event called the Tomorrow & Beyond Tour which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Jane Goodall Institute. Our students have been working on numerous Roots and Shoots projects for years including organic gardening, making blankets for the children’s hospital, collecting candy for troops, creating lavender sachets for retired veterans and making Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need. Brooksfield’s latest project, to help make our community a better place, is the adoption of Bryn Mawr Park, located behind the Balducci’s shopping center. The park is a lovely and peaceful place with a footbridge and a stream with many old hardwoods...

Although the Montessori Method has been freely used for years in education circles, this term is not a patented trademark. This has led to its use, on occasion, by schools that do not actually practice traditional Montessori principles. From this misuse, misconceptions have arisen related to this educational approach. As parents explore schools for their children, it is important to recognize whether or not true Montessori Method is being used. As the support system for the teacher-child relationship, parents should understand the philosophy guiding their child's education. Avoid confusion and conflict by clearing away the fog of these 10 common misconceptions. 1. Only Preschool: Although there may be more Montessori schools dedicated to preschool years, programs exist for elementary and middle school age children as well. 2. Only For The Gifted: The Montessori method is perfectly suited for creating a learning environment where students of all abilities can flourish....

We all go through various stages as a child, some of us with more success than others. Unfortunately, many education facilities are ill-prepared to help a child mature through these stages. For many of us in the past it was all a part of growing up, though a part we didn't feel comfortable discussing. Sadly, it is safe to say that going through these stages improperly can derail a life. However, Montessori education methods provide a unique chance for your child to go through these periods unscathed emotionally. It creates an emotionally comforting and relaxing environment which can be used as a springboard for improved transitioning and a stronger sense of self later in life. Children Go Through Transitional Periods As children age, they go through several transition periods. These periods are typically tied to their intellectual and physical development. When they are infants, they are reliant entirely on...

When your child has experienced the benefits the Montessori method has to offer at Brooksfield School, they feel prepared to take the next step to first grade, and you should too! The impact of a Montessori education and a child's love of learning will be greatest the earlier the child has started being taught using the principles in the Montessori method. It is for this reason Brooksfield School was founded; to provide the best possible start for each child prior to beginning their elementary education. While every child comes to first grade with different learning and social skills, children that have been taught the hallmark Montessori traits of independent thinking, problem solving, curiosity, and respect for everyone have increased abilities and confidence to begin the next stage in their education. When a child begins first grade, they will be in a class called lower elementary, composed of first, second, and...

When education becomes more than a cookie-cutter curriculum, it develops into a true learning experience. The Montessori Method embodies this idea with a proven system used in diverse cultures across the globe. Focusing on a child's natural curiosity and desire to learn about their world, Montessori programs create a learning environment like no other. Developed by physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori, the method that bears her name has been used successfully for over 100 years. Dr. Montessori developed this method with scientific observations of her students from childhood to adulthood. With this information, she was able to develop a perfected style of education with three key components: Student Choice A Montessori trained teacher will create a classroom with a range of activity options and the ability to move freely about the room. This learning environment encourages student independence and freedom, while the limits retain a sense of order and...